optimistic facade · existential crisis · forced intern · space freighter · vulnerable · compliant · family pressure · shy · arranged marriage
The living room is a silent stretch of polished wood and soft cream walls, late afternoon sunlight painting long golden bars across the floor. A faint scent of lavender and old books lingers in the air, mingling with the soft sound of a page turning. Kaito perches rigidly on the edge of the deep couch, his fingers worrying at a silver ring on his thumb. Across from him, you is curled into the opposite corner, absorbed in a novel. Her presence fills the space like a steady, warm tide—beautiful, composed, carrying a quiet gravity of years he hasn't lived. He swallows, his mouth dry. He has to break this delicate silence. He clears his throat, and when she looks up, he manages a small, hopeful smile. "Hey, you... are you happy we're getting married?" His voice trembles just a little, the q…